QR Code Generator
Generate a QR code from any URL or text instantly. Pick your size and error correction level, then download as PNG — no sign-up, no server upload.
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Size
Error Correction
Enter text above to generate a QR code
QR Code is a registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED in Japan and in other countries.
How to Use
Paste a URL or type any text into the input box. Common inputs include social-media profile links, website URLs, Wi-Fi login details (using the format "WIFI:S:NetworkName;T:WPA;P:Password;;"), or any short message you want to share by scan.
Next, choose a size and error correction level for your use case. Finally, hit "Download PNG" to save the image. Everything is processed locally in your browser, so even URLs containing passwords or personal information are safe to use.
One practical tip: shorter URLs produce sparser QR codes, which are easier for camera apps to read reliably. If you must encode a long URL, consider using a clean, short entry-point URL (such as a homepage) rather than a deep link with many query parameters. For text content, QR codes work well for event messages, vCard contact info, or any short passage you want to hand off instantly.
What Is Error Correction?
QR codes have built-in error correction: even if part of the code is obscured by dirt, damage, or a logo, the missing data can be reconstructed from what remains. Higher error correction means more redundancy — the code becomes more robust, but also denser, leaving less room for data.
The table below shows the four levels and their practical trade-offs.
| Level | Recovery | Max capacity (bytes) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| L (Low) | ~7% | 2,953 bytes | Maximizing data, clean environments (print, screen) |
| M (Medium) | ~15% | 2,331 bytes | General use — this tool's default |
| Q (Quartile) | ~25% | 1,663 bytes | When overlaying a logo on the QR code |
| H (High) | ~30% | 1,273 bytes | Harsh environments: factories, outdoors, wear and tear |
This tool defaults to M because it strikes the right balance for everyday use — presenting QR codes on screen or in print where moderate smudges are possible — without unnecessarily reducing data capacity.
You may have noticed QR codes with a company logo printed in the center. That technique deliberately exploits error correction: the logo covers part of the code, and the error-correction data fills in the gap. If you plan to overlay a logo on your QR code, choose Q or H to give the reconstruction algorithm more headroom.
Source: ISO/IEC 18004:2015 (QR Code bar code symbology specification)
FAQ
- Do QR codes expire?
- Static QR codes do not expire. The code generated here encodes your URL or text directly, so it will work as long as the destination URL stays live. Unlike dynamic QR codes (which go through a shortening service), you cannot change the content later. If you're printing on business cards or flyers, make sure the URL won't change.
- Why won't my QR code scan?
- The most common causes are: (1) the printed size is too small — aim for at least 2 cm (about ¾ inch) square; (2) the error correction level is L and the image has been compressed or smudged; (3) the quiet zone (white border) is too narrow. This tool uses the ISO-recommended 4-module quiet zone. If the code doesn't scan after printing, try regenerating at 256 px or larger with error correction set to M or higher.
- Can I use Japanese, emoji, or special characters?
- Yes. This tool generates QR codes in byte mode (8-bit), so it can encode any UTF-8 string — Japanese, Chinese, emoji, symbols, you name it. Keep in mind that multi-byte characters (such as Japanese kana or kanji) use more bytes per character than ASCII, so the maximum character count is lower than with plain English text (for example, one hiragana character uses 3 bytes).
- Is my input sent to a server?
- No. QR code generation runs entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Nothing you type is ever transmitted to an external server, so it's safe to encode sensitive URLs, passwords, or personal information.
Trademark Notice
"QR Code" is a registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED. The QR Code specification is standardized as ISO/IEC 18004 and is available royalty-free. QR codes generated with this tool may be used for commercial or non-commercial purposes without restriction.